Southampton produced a stunning shock at St Mary’s, knocking Arsenal out of the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory.
Ross Stewart opened the scoring with a clinical finish on 35 minutes and substitute Shea Charles struck late in the 85th to seal the win, after Viktor Gyokeres had equalised for Arsenal on 68 minutes. The result sends Championship side Southampton into the semi-finals at Wembley, where they will await the winner of the remaining quarter-final ties.
Build-up and team news
Arsenal arrived as favourites but with a disrupted build-up. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were absent after withdrawing from England duty; William Saliba, Gabriel, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke were named in the squad despite recent fitness concerns. Gabriel started alongside teenager Max Dowman.
Southampton set up to exploit counter-attacks, with midfielder Leo Scienza proving particularly influential and causing sustained problems for Arsenal’s defence.
Key moments
– Early chances fell to Arsenal but goalkeeper Daniel Peretz kept Southampton in the game with a strong save from Martin Ødegaard. Dowman and Kai Havertz also threatened as Arsenal searched for rhythm.
– The opening goal came when Ben White misjudged a long ball; Ross Stewart controlled and fired home to give the hosts the lead and spark ecstatic scenes in the stands.
– After the break Scienza rattled the crossbar with a curling effort as Southampton pressed for more.
– Mikel Arteta made triple substitutions and one paid off when Kai Havertz set up Viktor Gyokeres to level on 68 minutes. Gabriel was replaced by Saliba after picking up a knock.
– With the match drifting, Southampton pushed forward and Shea Charles, introduced from the bench, finished expertly in the 85th minute to win the tie.
Player ratings (selected)
Southampton: Peretz 8, Bree 8, Wood 8, Fellows 8, Scienza 9, Stewart 8. Subs Edozie 7, Charles 8.
Arsenal: Arrizabalaga 5, White 5, Mosquera 5, Gabriel 5, Norgaard 5, Ødegaard 5, Havertz 6, Dowman 7. Subs Gyokeres 7, Saliba 6.
Player of the match: Leo Scienza
Reactions
Mikel Arteta praised his squad’s season to date, accepting responsibility for the defeat and urging the team to regroup for the challenges ahead. Southampton manager Tonda Eckert said he was proud of his players, highlighting the impact of second-half changes and expressing cautious optimism about the cup run and league fixtures ahead.
What it means
Arsenal remain top of the Premier League by nine points, but the cup exit and growing injury list raise questions about momentum as rivals close in. Southampton gain a huge boost in confidence and a place in the semi-finals, briefly reviving memories of past cup glories.
Upcoming Arsenal fixtures
– Tue Apr 7: Sporting (A) – Champions League
– Sat Apr 11: Bournemouth (H) – Premier League
– Wed Apr 15: Sporting (H) – Champions League
– Sun Apr 19: Manchester City (A) – Premier League
– Sat Apr 25: Newcastle (H) – Premier League
– Sat May 2: Fulham (H) – Premier League
Southampton will now prepare for their cup semi-final while juggling their Championship ambitions and imminent league fixtures.